@Akbeez said:
Here's the real deal from Coin Facts. I'm not sure of the diagnostics, as they are not listed in the CPG.

As it shows in this picture, the modern Proof coins have a dramatic look to them. All of them are now Cameo Proofs, which makes their appearance dramatically different from the business strikes.

Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible.

@JBK said:
If you were looking only at proof sets, the chance of finding a missing S proof cent would be incredibly small. If you are trying to find one in pocket change the chances are pretty much impossible.

All new business strike cents are shiny and bright. Some might even be proof like.

Alright! And what double die proofs! Looks like something is there when you flip it..

@JBK said:
If you were looking only at proof sets, the chance of finding a missing S proof cent would be incredibly small. If you are trying to find one in pocket change the chances are pretty much impossible.

All new business strike cents are shiny and bright. Some might even be proof like.

Alright! And what double die proofs! Looks like something is there when you flip it..

1. Your coin IS NOT a proof. It is a standard business strike
2. What you see on the reverse is die deterioration doubling. This is not considered an error and adds no additional value to your coin.
3. There may be a minor die crack coming from the left side of the Lincoln Memorial. Once again, this does not add any value

@Mahaveer_singh People try to deceive all the time. The above proof set has been expertly opened and this business strike Philly cent was substituted for the 1990s cent in the set and then resealed. I keep it on my desk as a reminder to be careful and make sure it's what you think it is before you pull the trigger.

bob
PS: I got my set for free, didn't pay a cent for it after explaining to a customer what it was he just threw it across the room and left. I suspect, don't really know for sure, that he was the one that switched the coins. He thought he was going to fool me and make a killing (never saw him before or since).